After nearly two decades of marriage, Richard Thomas was blindsided when his first wife filed for divorce. But it didn’t take long for “The Waltons” star to open his heart to someone new, with the second chance at love bringing him a “happier life.”
Richard Thomas as John-Boy Walton on the set of “The Waltons” in 1977. | Source: Getty Images
The experience brought Richard to a crossroads, and while he never expected to marry again, life had other plans. He was lucky enough to meet someone who brought joy back into his life.
Take a closer look at his life over the years, including his first marriage, meeting his second wife of over 30 years, and how they built their beautiful blended family.
Richard Thomas filming “The Waltons” in 1977. | Source: Getty Images
Richard became a household name thanks to his unforgettable portrayal of John-Boy Walton in the beloved CBS drama series “The Waltons.” His performance as the aspiring writer from rural Virginia earned him widespread acclaim, including an Emmy Award win and two Golden Globe nominations.
Michael Learned and Richard Thomas photographed holding their Emmy Awards for Outstanding Continued Performance in a Leading Role on May 20, 1973. | Source: Getty Images
After his success on “The Waltons,” he continued building an impressive career. However, it was his personal life that often piqued fans’ curiosity, particularly his first marriage to Alma Gonzales, a romance that seemed plucked from a storybook.
Alma Gonzales and Richard Thomas at a tribute presented by the Film Society of Lincoln Center in New York on May 2, 1975. | Source: Getty Images
Richard Thomas and his first wife photographed in Los Angeles, California, circa 1980. | Source: Getty Images
Their connection quickly blossomed, and the couple tied the knot on Valentine’s Day in 1975. The ceremony was intimate, taking place at Richard’s childhood Baptist church on Manhattan’s Upper West Side — a far cry from the glamorous Hollywood backdrop many might have expected for a TV star.
Richard Thomas and Alma Gonzales circa 1980s. | Source: Getty Images
Richard Thomas and Alma Gonzales photographed on October 22, 1986. | Source: Getty Images
After their wedding, the couple spent their honeymoon in New York City, where Richard made sure to treat his new wife to a hansom cab ride around Central Park.
The pair soon became proud parents. In addition to their son, Richard Jr., the couple made headlines when Alma gave birth to triplet daughters: Barbara, Gwyneth, and Pilar. The triplets’ arrival was a surprise for the couple.
Richard Thomas and Alma Gonzales’ son, Richard Jr., and triplet daughters Barbara, Gwyneth, and Pilar. | Source: Instagram/405south
However, despite what seemed like a solid marriage, trouble brewed behind the scenes. After nearly two decades together, Alma filed for divorce in 1992, citing irreconcilable differences.
Richard’s friend, actor Bruce Davison, shared that the former was taken aback by the separation. “He told me that he was shocked that she wanted to separate,” Bruce revealed.
Alma Gonzales and Richard Thomas circa 1980s. | Source: Getty Images
Alma admitted that the decision wasn’t easy but explained, “I guess I shocked him. But if you are really in touch with your mate, you can see things are not right. I wasn’t very happy [in the marriage]. There is no [single] reason why one person’s needs get met and the other person’s do not.”
Richard Thomas and Alma Gonzales photographed on October 22, 1986. | Source: Getty Images
Their kids split their time between both parents, with Richard taking on a hands-on approach to parenting even after moving out of their family home in the Hollywood Hills.
Richard Thomas and Alma Gonzales circa 1980s. | Source: Getty Images
The divorce wasn’t easy for Richard, who admitted it wasn’t his choice to part ways. “[…] At some point, life brings you to your knees, and in my case, it was a painful divorce that was not, N-O, my idea,” he candidly shared.
However, he believed the experience ultimately led him to a better place in life. “But because of it, I was dragged kicking and screaming into a happier life,” he added.
Richard Thomas and Alma Gonzales photographed in May 1987. | Source: Getty Images
Despite the heartbreak, he maintained that he and Alma continued to communicate and co-parent effectively, ensuring their children were their top priority. However, little did he know that a new romantic chapter was around the corner.
Alma Gonzales and Richard Thomas photographed with their triplet daughters and son in 1986. | Source: Getty Images
Finding Lasting Love and Building a Blended Family
After enduring the painful end of his marriage to Alma, Richard never anticipated walking down the aisle again. However, in 1993, fate had a different plan when he crossed paths with Georgiana Bischoff, an art dealer with a quiet demeanor and a passion for creativity.
Georgiana Bischoff and Richard Thomas at the local premiere of “Ragtime: The Musical” on June 15, 1997. | Source: Getty Images
Their romance blossomed quickly, and within a year of his divorce, the actor was once again exchanging vows. On November 20, 1994, Richard and Georgiana tied the knot in an intimate ceremony attended by nearly 50 close friends and family members.
Richard Thomas and Georgiana Bischoff at the 10th anniversary of Green Cross International and Global Green on October 11, 2004, in New York. | Source: Getty Images
Richard Thomas with his son, Montana Thomas, and Georgiana Bischoff at the 34th season Big Apple Circus Under the Big Top event on October 23, 2011, in New York. | Source: Getty Images
In an unexpected twist, Richard’s real-life experience mirrored his on-screen portrayal in “The Waltons,” where he played one of seven children. After marrying Georgiana, he became a father of seven in real life. “It wasn’t planned. I guess seven is my number,” he reflected on the coincidence.
Richard Thomas, Georgiana Bischoff and her daughter Kendra at an opening night party for the play “The Stendhal Syndrome” on February 15, 2004. | Source: Getty Images
Richard Thomas and Georgiana Bischoff at the opening night of “Entertaining Mr. Sloane” on March 16, 2006, in New York. | Source: Getty Images
While raising a large blended household required patience and understanding, the actor’s approach to parenting evolved over the years. He believed in allowing his children to grow into their own identities without imposing his own expectations on them.
Richard and Montana Thomas with Georgiana Bischoff during the party for the opening night performance of “Twelve Angry Men” on March 29, 2007, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
He also humorously described the complexities of blending families, joking, “Blending a family of this size is like postgraduate work for people who failed the course.”
Georgiana Bischoff and Richard Thomas at the opening night of the play “My Name Is Lucy Barton” on January 15, 2020, in New York. | Source: Getty Images
Despite their large family, Richard and Georgiana managed to build a strong bond through trust, communication, and a shared sense of humor. “I’m married to the most honest, straightforward person, so you always know where you stand,” the actor said of his wife.
Georgiana Bischoff and Richard Thomas at a screening and reception on November 13, 2021, in North Hollywood, California. | Source: Getty Images
Georgiana Bischoff and Richard Thomas at the “Maybe Happy Ending” Gala celebration on November 11, 2024, in New York. | Source: Getty Images
Meanwhile, Georgiana’s daughter Kendra found her passion in yoga. According to her Instagram, she teaches various disciplines, including meditation and high-intensity interval training (HIIT), but yoga remains her foundation. “Yoga is where it all started,” she wrote in part in a 2022 post.
Richard’s youngest child, Montana, also pursued a creative path. Based in New York City, he carved out a niche as a poet and artist, blending humor and emotion in his work.
He also penned a monthly column and curated and hosted a poetry reading series, which gathered writers and artists for intimate storytelling events.
Richard Thomas’ journey from heartbreak to lasting love proves that second chances can lead to a happier, more fulfilling life. After overcoming the pain of divorce, he built a strong, blended family with Georgiana by his side.